Come on, discuss why more and more adults are diagnosed with autism, to changes in the understanding of the diagnosis, Find the explanation here.
Autism is a neurological developmental disorder that affects a person’s social interaction, learning, and communication.
Although usually identified in childhood, in the last few decades, more and more adults are diagnosed with autism.
The KlikDokter editorial team had a chance to discuss the matter with dr. Gia Pratama , and we in this article will explain why this can happen, by considering various aspects such as changes in the understanding of autism diagnosis, diagnostic challenges, and the urgency of accurate diagnosis in adults.
Oh yes, we raised this topic in addition to the World Autism Day commemoration on April 2, 2024, also because at the end of March 2024, a news from the celebrity world mentioned that Tallulah Willis, the child of actor Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 30 year.
Changes in the Understanding and Diagnosis of Autism
In the last few years, our understanding of autism has undergone significant progress. Now, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is recognized as a spectrum, which means that the symptoms can vary greatly from one individual to another.
The diagnostic criteria for ASD have also undergone a refresh in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
These changes have expanded our understanding of how autism can affect adults, where some may only show mild symptoms that went undetected during childhood.
Diagnostic Challenges
Many adults with autism may never have been diagnosed in childhood due to a variety of factors. In the past, the diagnostic criteria for autism were narrower and often only focused on extreme cases.
In addition, society’s understanding of autism is not as comprehensive as it is today, causing many cases with mild or moderate severity to go undetected.
Because autism can affect social and communication skills, some adults may have developed compensatory strategies to overcome the obstacles they face.
However, this does not diminish the impact of the difficulties they face or the need for support.
Impact of Not Diagnosed
Without an accurate diagnosis, many adults with autism may experience various difficulties in everyday life without understanding the cause.
These challenges can include difficulties in communicating with others, keeping a job, or building meaningful relationships.
Some may have been unfairly labeled or misdiagnosed with other psychiatric conditions, such as personality disorders, anxiety, or depression .
Although these conditions can go hand in hand with autism, ignorance of autism as the root of the problem can lead to less effective treatment approaches.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
An accurate diagnosis can be a turning point for many adults with autism. By clearly understanding the challenges faced, the individual can begin to find appropriate strategies and support to overcome everyday difficulties.
In addition, the diagnosis also opens access to services and resources specific to people with autism, such as behavioral therapy, social skills training, and career support.
Diagnostic Process for Adults
The process of diagnosing autism in adults can be complex and takes time. Typically, this process involves a series of assessments performed by a mental health professional experienced in ASD.
This assessment includes in-depth interviews, behavioral observations, and the use of questionnaires or rating scales. It should be noted that this process does not only pay attention to the difficulties faced by individuals, but also acknowledges their strengths and abilities.
Advances in the understanding and diagnosis of autism have opened the door for many adults to receive a previously delayed diagnosis.
Although the diagnosis process can be challenging, identifying autism in adults can play a crucial role in helping them understand themselves and how they interact with the world around them.
With a diagnosis, they can more easily access support and interventions designed to improve quality of life and help them reach their full potential.